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UN chief calls for efforts to end tragedies caused by cancers

Xinhua, February 5, 2016 Adjust font size:

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that "Where a person lives should not determine if they develop a cancer or die from it," according to Ban's message on Thursday.

"We must do more to end the many tragedies that cancer inflicts. About one third of cancers can be prevented, while others are curable if diagnosed and treated early. And even when cancer is advanced, patients should benefit from palliative care," he said in his message on World Cancer Day, which falls on Thursday.

Cancer affects all countries, but those with fewer resources are hit hardest. Nothing illustrates this better than the burden of cervical cancer, he said. "The world's poorest countries are home to more than 8 in 10 women newly diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 9 in 10 deaths from the disease," he said.

Applauding the success of cervical cancer screening in many high-income countries, Ban said "we have a responsibility to replicate this progress in low-income states, where cervical cancer remains one of the most common cancers among women."

Comprehensive cervical cancer prevention includes vaccines to protect girls against future infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV), screening measures and preventive treatment of pre-cancers, he said.

"Where a person lives should not determine if they develop a cancer or die from it. We must work together to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health issue and to reduce the burden that millions face from all cancers," he said.

Concluding his message, Ban called on the world to end the injustice of preventable suffering from this disease as part of our larger push to leave no one behind.

Under this year's theme "We can. I can.", World Cancer Day 2016-2018 will explore how everyone -- as a collective or as individuals -- can do their part to reduce the global burden of cancer, according to UN website.

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth and spread of cells. Many cancers can be prevented by avoiding exposure to common risk factors, such as tobacco smoke.

In addition, a significant proportion of cancers can be cured, by surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, especially if they are detected early. Enditem